And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

1 CHRONICLES 20:1KJV
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1 Chronicles 20:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 20:1 mean?

1 Chronicles 20:1 describes a time when Joab, the commander of David’s army, led Israel’s forces to attack the Ammonites, destroying their land and besieging their capital city, Rabbah, while King David stayed behind in Jerusalem. The verse highlights Joab’s leadership in battle and David’s absence from the campaign.

This verse is set during the period when Israel’s kings would typically lead their armies in battle after the new year began. The chronicler is recounting a specific military campaign against the Ammonites, with Joab taking charge of the army’s actions. David’s decision to remain in Jerusalem, instead of going out with his troops, is noted and stands out in the narrative.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 20:1

  • אֵת־חֵיל (ḥayil, “power”): This word refers to the strength or might of the army, emphasizing that Joab was leading not just men, but the full military force of Israel.
  • שָׁחַת (shāḥat, “wasted”): This verb means to destroy or devastate, showing that Joab’s campaign was thorough in its destruction of the Ammonite territory.
  • יָשַׁב (yāshav, “tarried”): The word means to sit or remain, highlighting that David stayed in Jerusalem rather than participating in the battle, which is unusual for a king at this time.

Why 1 Chronicles 20:1 matters

  • The verse draws attention to David’s absence from the battlefield, which is significant in the broader story, as it sets the stage for later events in David’s life.
  • By emphasizing Joab’s leadership and the destruction of the Ammonite land, the verse shows the effectiveness and severity of Israel’s military campaigns during David’s reign.
  • The mention of the “time that kings go out to battle” connects this event to the common practice of ancient Near Eastern warfare, helping readers understand the historical context.